AN OBSCURITY RETURNS

         We all know Ed Lachman, ASC as a superb, Oscar-nominated cinematographer, but he has directed some entertaining films as well.  Last August, I was fortunate to see one of them at the appropriately named Rockaway Film Festival, in Rockaway Beach, NY.  This 1984 documentary – titled Report From Hollywood – serves as a light-hearted witness to the making of Wim Wenders’ 1982 feature, The State of Things (photographed by Henri Alekan).

         Unseen for forty years, this screening represented its East Coast premiere, which according to Lachman was no surprise; it had been lost until its recent discovery in a Munich archive.  Dedicated filmmaker that he is, Lachman flew to Germany and took it across town for scanning at Arri’s state-of-the-art facility.  Prior to that, only one copy existed.  Now, there are two!

         I don’t know if Report From Hollywood will find its way to one of the streamers, but it should.  At least I’m doing my part to get the word out.  Its travelogue-like journey through early ’80’s Los Angeles alone makes it worthy of viewing.  It also reminds us that the often-humorous absurdities endemic to the making of movies haven’t changed, and probably never will.

         Bombard your TV providers with demands that they carry it.  Then, keep an eye peeled.  As the cream always rises to the top, hopefully it’ll land in our laps before another four decades go by!